New England Patriots Release Tiquan Underwood on Eve of Super Bowl

In an absolutely heartbreaking move, the New England Patriots cut wide receiver Tiquan Underwood on Saturday night – less than 24 hours before he was due to play in the Super Bowl.

According to a statement released by the team (via ESPN), the move to cut Underwood was strictly football-based and not because of any disciplinary action. The wide receiver responded to his team’s decision with the utmost dignity and class by refraining from saying anything negative about what transpired. Instead, on Twitter, he said this:

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"Good Luck To The New England Organization, The Coaches, & All My Teammates. #PatsNation."

In a text message to ESPN’s NFL reporter Ed Werder, he offered this comment:

"I don't want to be a distraction to the game or the New England Patriots.....i will say this, The New England Patriots are a GREAT Organization. I wish them nothing but the best today. This season has been dedicated to Myra Kraft (MHK) Mr Kraft's wife....w/ that being said i hope they pull out the victory in honor of her & because the coaches & players have worked so hard this season for the opportunity to play in Super Bowl 46. Go Pats!!!! #PatsNation"

It’s not all bad news for Underwood, though. Because of specifications in the NFL’s collective bargaining deal, he will be entitled to $88,000 if the Patriots win and $44,000 if they lose. Plus, if the team wins, he still gets a ring.

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Underwood made headlines earlier in the week for this nifty tattoo he got in the back of his head: